Judge denies Jodi Arias attorney's effort to quit

PHOENIX (AP) - An Arizona judge has denied a request by one of Jodi Arias' attorney to quit, setting the stage for Arias to represent herself at the penalty phase of her trial.

Arias was convicted of murder last year in the 2008 killing of her ex-boyfriend, but jurors couldn't decide on a sentence. A second penalty phase is set for Sept 8 with a new jury as prosecutors try again for a death sentence.

Attorney Kirk Nurmi sought to quit, citing conflicts with Arias wanting to represent herself. Arias had said if he quit, she would not represent herself and would permit her other lawyer to handle the case. In the past, Arias has tried to fire Nurmi, and he has sought to get off the case.